Kingston teenager killed in North Carolina accident; her dad and four others are injured

Karen Goulart

Tuesday

Feb 26, 2008 at 12:01 AMFeb 26, 2008 at 8:36 AM

Laura Guidoboni, a high school sophomore from Kingston, died Monday in an SUV accident on Interstate 95 in North Carolina. Another passenger from Kingston, 16-year-old Lauren Smoldic, was listed in serious condition today. They were on their way to Key West, Fla., with Guidoboni's father, brother and three other members of a scouting group.

Before leaving Notre Dame Academy in Hingham for February break, Laura Guidoboni told one of her guidance counselors how excited she was to be going scuba diving with her dad, Mark.

Guidoboni, 15, of Kingston, her 17-year-old brother, Jonathan, and three other members of a co-ed scouting group, were heading to Key West, Fla., with Mark as their chaperone and adviser.

But the trip home turned disastrous early Monday morning, as the group headed north on Interstate 95 in Lumberton, N.C. At about 4:30 a.m., the SUV the group was riding in overturned several times, ejecting Laura Guidoboni and Lauren Smolic, 16, also of Kingston.

Guidoboni was pronounced dead at the scene. Smolic was taken to a local hospital then transferred to Duke University Medical Center. Her condition was upgraded today from critical to serious.

Everyone in the SUV except the two girls was wearing a seat belt, Lane said.

Mark Guidoboni, 49, was seriously injured and was being treated for a leg injury Monday at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton. He was listed in stable condition today.

The driver, Devin Rebello, 17, of Kingston, and passengers Jonathan Guidoboni and Ryan Pittsley, 18, of Plympton received minor injuries.

Rebello was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and released. North Carolina State Highway Patrol 1st Sgt. Freddy Johnson said she would be summoned to return south to face the charge. Rebello is the daughter of Kingston Police Chief Joseph Rebello.

Rebello and two of the passengers told police their SUV was cut off by a tractor trailer truck just before the accident, North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper W.E. Lane said. The SUV drove off the left side of the four-lane highway. Rebello then jerked the wheel to the right and ran off the road again, then overcorrected to the left, causing the vehicle to overturn several times. Lane said there were no other witnesses to the accident.

The SUV was believed to be traveling about 80 mph in a 65-mph zone, he said.

News of the fatal crash shocked Notre Dame Academy and the town of Kingston.

Relatives who gathered at the home of Guidoboni’s grandparents Monday night said it was too soon to speak about the tragedy.

Her grandmother, Janice Guidoboni, called Laura a “wonderful granddaughter” but also said it was too difficult to talk last night.

The group driving home from Florida on Monday is part of Venture Crew, an offshoot of the Boy Scouts of America, whose members plan high adventure outdoor activities to become team-builders and develop leadership skills.

Bob Foley is committee chairman of Boy Scout Troop 49 in Kingston, of which Mark Guidoboni is assistant scoutmaster. Being involved with scouting for many years, Foley said he got to know everyone who was involved in the accident.

“They are all great kids,” Foley said.

He said the loss of Laura Guidoboni will be deeply felt beyond Kingston’s borders.

“She is an individual who is going to be sorely missed by a multitude of people in the town and the extended community,” Foley said. “She was an energetic person, she was an athlete, she had some great expectations for herself and she was a person with solid character.”

Foley said St. Joseph’s Church in Kingston held a vigil Monday night as part of the parish’s rosary service. Participants prayed for Laura and those who were hurt, he said.

Notre Dame Academy also held a special prayer service Monday. School spokeswoman Lynn Flaherty, said the school-wide service was also attended by several Notre Dame parents.

Guidoboni was a member of the varsity cross-country and indoor track teams and was also a talented artist, Flaherty said. The track team was dedicating its Monday night meet to Guidoboni, she said.

Today, Guidoboni’s friends were to create a memorial that includes some of her artwork.

“We invited her friends to set up her artwork and some photos and remembrances,” Flaherty said. “In many ways our response will evolve as we learn how we can best support her family and friends.”

Counselors were on hand at the school all day Monday and would be available to talk with students as long as necessary, Flaherty said.

She said teachers and coaches were still coming to terms with the accident Monday and were unable to speak with the press but made it clear that Laura was “a very special young lady,” Flaherty said.

“Certainly she was well loved,” Flaherty said.

Laura attended Kingston public schools until she entered high school. Having grown up in Kingston, her death and the injuries to her friends also affected Silver Lake Regional High School.

Silver Lake Superintendent John Tuffy said students at the high school were told of the accident late Monday morning. Counselors were made available and, as at Notre Dame, will be accessible as long as needed.

Tuffy said all of the students were well-known and well-liked members of the Silver Lake community.

“It’s the sort of thing that you are never prepared for and never expect,” Tuffy said.

Reporter Don Conkey contributed to this report.

Karen Goulart may be reached at kgoulart@ledger.com.

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